Water voles 'decline by a fifth'

Water voles have declined by a fifth in the UK since 2011, a survey suggests.

Conservationists say that habitat loss, predation by American mink, and changeable weather are to blame.

The research was carried out by the Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts, who are working to create more vole-friendly waterways.

Earlier reports had suggested that the animals were making a comeback. Conservationists say more needs to be done to save this species.

Alastair Driver, National Conservation Manager from the Environment Agency, said: "This creature is part of our waterway systems. People love walking along a canal and hearing the plop of a water vole into the canal. They are part of the food chain... part of the ecosystem.

"It would be a real shame to let that go."

'Ratty'

Water voles, immortalised by Ratty from Wind in the Willows, were once a common sight in the UK's waterways.

But since the 1970s, water vole numbers are thought to have declined by more than 90%.

We have seen a drop of about 20%Alastair Driver, Environment Agency

Mr Driver said: "There is no doubt this was a combination of two factors. First of all the loss of habitat and the breaking up of habitat, and then the escape of American mink into the countryside."

American mink were brought to the UK for their fur, but after some escaped, or were released, they established and spread, preying on water voles.

It has been a problem that has also been seen in other parts of Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium.

Surveys across the UK have now shown another steep fall.

"Initially, we started to see an increase in numbers because of projects which were controlling mink and improving the habitat," said Mr Driver.